The Director-General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Adamu Salihu, has described the Dangote Group as a transformative force behind Africa’s economic renaissance, saying the conglomerate is “not only industrialising Nigeria, but indeed the whole of Africa.”
Salihu made the remarks ahead of the Dangote Special Day at the 22nd Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, according to a statement issued by Dangote Group on Sunday.
He said the Chamber intends to use the event to showcase the achievements of the Group to stakeholders in Niger State, across Nigeria, and the wider African business community.
According to Salihu, Dangote Group’s extensive investments in cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, agriculture, and energy have become a strong model for indigenous industrialisation and proof that African entrepreneurs can build globally competitive enterprises.
He explained that the theme of this year’s trade fair, “Public-Private Partnership as a Panacea for Nigeria’s Growth and Stability,” highlights the critical role collaboration between government and the private sector plays in driving sustainable economic development.
Salihu noted that Dangote Group’s investment strategy aligns closely with the development priorities of Niger State, especially in agriculture, where the company’s rice and sugar operations support the state’s food production ambitions and utilisation of arable land.
He expressed optimism that the Group’s Vision 2030 strategy would attract more investments into agriculture, mining, and agro-processing in Niger State, sectors he said hold strong comparative and competitive advantages.
Dangote Group currently operates in more than a dozen African countries with interests spanning cement production, fertiliser, petrochemicals, agriculture, sugar refining, salt processing, and energy.
According to the company, its long-term objective is to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, create employment opportunities, and reduce Africa’s dependence on imports.
Salihu praised the Group’s backward integration strategy and local sourcing model, noting that the approach has stimulated domestic production and generated wealth within the economy.
He also described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a landmark project that has significantly reshaped Nigeria’s energy landscape.
According to him, the refinery is helping conserve foreign exchange, reduce fuel shortages, improve market competition, and create new opportunities for local investors.
Salihu added that the impact of the refinery is already being felt in states such as Niger State, where improved fuel supply and lower logistics costs are expected to support manufacturing activities, agricultural production, and trade.
He further stated that Dangote Group’s commitment to local content development, technology transfer, and infrastructure investment demonstrates how African-owned companies can drive industrial transformation across the continent.
Salihu urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to emulate the business model of Aliko Dangote by investing in productive sectors capable of creating long-term economic value.
He also encouraged large corporations to integrate nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises into their supply chains, adding that chambers of commerce can help identify credible suppliers and service providers.
The Chamber director-general appealed to exhibitors, investors, and the public to support the Niger National Trade Fair, describing it as a strategic platform for investment promotion, business partnerships, and economic growth.
Salihu also disclosed that Dangote Group’s industrial ambitions are extending beyond Nigeria following recent discussions about a proposed refinery project in East Africa.
He said the proposal, unveiled by Aliko Dangote during the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, would replicate the Lagos refinery model to serve East African markets if regional governments provide adequate support.
According to him, the proposed refinery demonstrates that Dangote Group is committed to industrialising not only Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
He added that the expansion plan aligns with the company’s Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on deploying African capital, expertise, and technology to accelerate industrial growth across the continent.
Dangote had earlier stated at the summit that the company could build a refinery in East Africa within four to five years, subject to support from governments in the region.
